PBA and ACLU Clash Over State Control of Paterson Police Department

PATERSON: So, there’s a big legal showdown happening over the Paterson Police Department. The New Jersey State Policemen’s Benevolent Association (PBA) is really pushing back against Attorney General Matthew Platkin’s takeover. They’re calling it an “arbitrary exercise of unchecked power.” Sounds intense, right?

On the flip side, the ACLU of New Jersey is saying the state needs to step in. They argue that there are serious issues in Paterson, like “systematic failures” and a lack of accountability that have led to community distrust. It’s a real tug-of-war over who should control the police.

These arguments were presented to the New Jersey Supreme Court, which is reviewing Platkin’s request after an appellate panel said his takeover didn’t have a solid legal basis. The chief justice has allowed the state to keep control for now while the court figures things out.

Interestingly, Platkin has some heavy hitters backing him up. Six former attorneys general have filed a brief saying the appellate court got it wrong. They believe the state’s takeover power is legit and necessary for the public good.

Meanwhile, the ousted Paterson Police Chief and others are fighting back, claiming the takeover is just a whim without any real legal backing. They’re urging the Supreme Court not to hear the appeal.

It’s a complicated situation, and we’ll have to wait and see how it all plays out in court.